If you give way, you will instantly have to meet some greater demand, as having been frightened into obedience in the first instance; while a firm refusal will make them clearly understand that they must treat you more as equals.

When tremendous dangers are involved, no one can be blamed for looking to his own interest.

Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.

Indeed men too often take upon themselves in the prosecution of their revenge to set the example of doing away with those general laws to which all can look for salvation in adversity, instead of allowing them to subsist against the day of danger when their aid may be required

Human nature is the one constant through human history. It is always there.

It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs. They expect too much of ordinary men.

We must remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.